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Julia Roberts' Surprising Turnaround on Notting Hill Role

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Julia Roberts initially dismissed starring in the 1999 rom-com Notting Hill, calling it the dumbest idea.
She expressed skepticism about playing a famous actress who falls for a bookshop owner.
After reading the screenplay, she found the project charming and funny.
A lunch meeting with director Roger Michell and producer Duncan Kenworthy further convinced her to accept the role.
Notting Hill became a critical and commercial success.

History

Historical Context

The romantic comedy genre gained momentum in the 1990s, exemplified by Richard Curtis's 1999 film Notting Hill, which grossed over $364 million worldwide. Following the success of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994, Curtis's work established a template for blending humor with star power, influencing future romantic narratives and solidifying the genre's cultural significance in cinema.

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Story summary

Julia Roberts initially dismissed starring in the 1999 rom-com Notting Hill, calling it the dumbest idea.
She expressed skepticism about playing a famous actress who falls for a bookshop owner.
After reading the screenplay, she found the project charming and funny.
A lunch meeting with director Roger Michell and producer Duncan Kenworthy further convinced her to accept the role.
Notting Hill became a critical and commercial success.

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